Spanish Rice Skillet
A hearty Spanish Rice Skillet combining bacon, ground beef, vegetables, tomatoes and rice, seasoned with chili sauce and spices for a flavorful one-pan meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp; drain and crumble.
- Leave 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
- Cook beef, onion, and green pepper until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Add the remaining ingredients and simmer, covered, for 35 minutes.
- Crumble the cooked bacon on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the skillet. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but adjust the cooking time as it may require a bit longer. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spanish Rice Skillet with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For extra flavor, top with shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or avocado. This dish pairs beautifully with Creamy Hamburger Casserole for a comforting dinner spread or can stand alone as a satisfying one-pan meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it, heating over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave single portions, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice Skillet contains roughly 416 calories, with 5g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will need a longer cooking time. You may also need to increase the amount of water. Check the rice package instructions for the best results.
What can I substitute for chili sauce?
If you don’t have chili sauce on hand, you can use a combination of ketchup and hot sauce to achieve a similar flavor profile. Adjust the heat to your preference by varying the amount of hot sauce used.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or use beans such as black beans or kidney beans. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of water for more depth of flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).